Bisaya Bloggers

Response letter of LMDA to a graduate student of Oregon State University conducting a research on Hypseleotris agilis (locally known in Mainit as Bugwan)

Greetings from Lake Mainit!

The species you mentioned "hypseleotris agilis" is locally known as "Bugwan". According to Dr. P. Escudero a professor from MSU, Marawi City who visited the Lake Mainit in early 1994 that "bugwan" is endemic in Lake Mainit and was accidentally introduced in Lake Lanao when they took some species like Carpa and Tilapia from the BFAR hatchery in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte for fish dispersal in Lake Lanao. According to him, the Catalog of Philippine Fishes compiled by an Americans as early as 1910, Bugwan was only found in Surigao when Lake Mainit was still part of Surigao District.

Dr. Escudero was amazed to find out that Pidjanga (Glossogobius giurus) and Bugwan (Hypseleotris agilis) co-exist in Lake Mainit and they were caught at the same time and of the same fishing technique, without being a threat to each other. While in Lake Lanao, the native fish was declining due to introduction of Bugwan. This needs further research, indeed.

This phenomenon could be possible in Lake Mainit because it is the deepest lake in the Philippines with an average mean depth of 150 meters. Lake Mainit is also classified as an oligotrophic lake based on its physico-chemical, natural productivity, optical properties and morphometric characteristics (Tumanda, et. al. of MSU-Naawan Research Team).

I had a photocopy of the study by Mr. Galicia and Mr. Lopez of BFAR, Inland Fisheries and Aquatic Division which was presented to International Workshop in Muruay Garden Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand in Feb. 2000 entitled "The Biology and Fishery of Indigenous Gobies of Mainit Lake". The paper presents the results of a 17-month study on the biology, fishery and population structures of Gobies (Order Gobioidea), Glossogobius giurus "Pidjanga" (Family Gobidea) and Hypseleotris agilis "Bugwan" (Family Eleotridea) caught by beach seine in Lake Mainit from August 1997 to December 1998. The study is a component of a research grant funded by the Spanish Government.

For more information you can visit the MSU-Naawan Reasearch Team at Naawan, Misamis Oriental.

They had also an ongoing research entitled "The Sustainability Fishery Management Program for Lake Mainit", The phase 1 is about stock assessment and species inventory of aquatic life.

Thank you.

Kaiser
Project Director, LMDA

Pidjanga notes: Salamat karadjaw Mano Kaiser for responding promptly to the inquiry of the researcher. We have successfully linked her too to the BFAR, MSU Naawam, MSU Marawi, and DOST. Salamat karadjaw Ngay Peter Sy for referring the researcher to me. The study and the relevant researches on this will greatly help in promoting sustainable development for our beloved Lake Mainit. This subject is also of very special interest to me as I hope to build up a substantive database of information about our lake and hopefully store them online at www.lakemainit.com, which I singlehandedly maintain. In the near future, I will personally request the Pidjanga Blog community to contribute any information or write ups or photos about Lake Mainit and make its online presence a real and substantive Cyber Danao. I trust that you'll help me on this. Zimm

Post: Zimmbodilion (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

You all know that the Municipality of Tubay is part of the Lake Mainit development area and a member of the Lake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA). Lake Mainit's only river outlet, Kalinawan River, also flows through Tubay.

Each and every environmental disruption in Tubay will certainly affect Lake Mainit, and consequently the Pidjanga, bot the fish and the people, and the communities around them.

Here are snapshots of the the national news last night at GMA7's 24 Oras reporting the government's order to stop mining operations in Tubay.




The Pidjanga Blog lauds any efforts to investigate mining activities in the vicinity of Lake Mainit, like that of Municipality of Tubay. This government action and the above media coverage will certainly increase awareness about the mining issues in our locality.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: www.bisayabloggers.com; www.zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

It is very heartwarming to see that the tiny little cutlings last year has now grown into 6++ feet tall Bangkal Trees.

Mabuhay Pidjangas and sponsors for this very valuable project.

Here's Manong Fred (MFARMC PRO) and I giving our thumb's up for the Tree Planting success. We'll plan for succeeding tree planting projects.

The bangkal cutling last year... 16 September 2006.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: www.bisayabloggers.com; www.zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Here is the legal basis of creating National Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (NFARMC) and it's municipal and barangay counterpart - Republic Act 8550 or the 1998 Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

I had the chance of joining the creation of the Mainit Municipal FARMC and the Barangay Quezon FARMC last August 26, 2007 at the Mainit Agricultural Training Center.

Here's Mayor Ramon Mondano and Municipal Agriculturist Garrido facilitating the activity, with Councilor Roxie Salino (Peace and Order Chair) and Councilor Nonong Behagan (Environment Chair) in the background.


Among the agenda during the organizational meeting was the identification of illegal fishing methods e.g. baling, etc to be proposed for municipal ordinance.

For the newly created MFARMC and BFARMC, we all wish you the best. Together with the Lake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA), throught he leadership of Engr. Kaiser Recabo, and the Pidjangas around the world, we can make a difference in protecting our beloved Lake Mainit.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: www.bisayabloggers.com; www.zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Tambulayag view.


Tambulayag beach.


Tambulayag beach rock. (We can name it in Minainit too... suggestions please!)


A Mamatpa-hired tree planter. Background: Tambulayag.


Lake Mainit side. The sun was already high hence bad angle for the lens. But Pastor Casera says this is spectacular at night especially on a full moon.


The cemented road from the Mamatpa point, going down to Tambulayag.

The Mamatpa summit. We brought the Innova and in my calculation, Mamatpa is just less than 30 minutes from Poblacion Mainit.

More photos later.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: www.bisayabloggers.com; www.zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Open letter to the Officials and Leaders of the Municipalities surrounding Lake Mainit

The Mayors, Vice Mayors and Sanguniang Bayan Members of the Municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay, and Jabonga:

Dear Sirs and Madams,

We, the citizens of Lake Mainit, have seen the devastating effect of the Janitor Fish to the Rivers of Marikina and Agusan Marsh, thanks to the excellent documentation of GMA7's i-Witness.

We can still prevent this from happening to our beloved Lake Mainit, if we act together as one true community, as soon as possible.

We therefore appeal to your leadership to act on this potential devastation and mobilize resources and communities to create a comprehensive community response.

The online community of Mainitnons and Surigaonons, through the Pidjanga Blog (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com), has identified the following possible solutions for your consideration:

1. Comprehensive Multi-Municipality Information and Education Campaign - Through the help of the Lake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA), the municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay, and Jabonga will have a comprehensive community information and education campaign to raise awareness about the reality of the Janitor Fish, how it can potentially destruct the ecosytem of Lake Maint, and how the communities can prevent this.

2. Creation of Municipal Ordinances - to support the above Information and Education Campaign, and identify sanctions to those who will be caught putting janitor fish in the lake or in the rivers surrounding the lake.

3. Organization of Community Citizens Watch Groups - to conduct regular surveillance activities around the lake and its tributaries.

4. Joint Surigao and Agusan Provincial Surveillance - to conduct province-wide inspections of Pet Fish Stores and disallow the sale of Janitor Fish.

We trust in you.

Citizens of Lake Mainit

Pidjanga note: If you happen to be a current resident of any of the above towns, please feel free to print this and give to your local government officials. Thanks.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Marikina River, the Agusan Marsh (where Lake Mainit shares a watershed), and other freshwater bodies in the country has been devastated by this once friendly but now ferocious JANITOR FISH.

LET US BE VIGILANT!!! PROTECT LAKE MAINIT from this pest!

Have your say!



Thanks Monyx and Jo for this advocacy. Let's work hand in hand.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

I got reports that as of yesterday, 6 July 2007, 10 out of the 30-plus ballot boxes have been opened and ballots recounted already. I am not very privy about the exact results of the recount but there were reportedly new votes added to one of the mayoralty candidates.

Will the new recounted votes be the basis of new election figures? Or will it lead to a declaration of "failure of election"? Which will either necessitate a new whole election process? Or "just" a recount of all the ballot boxes in the 21 barangays of Mainit?

Matuod... haman magsugod an 100 days of office nan proclaimed officials? Nan Friday - June 29? o nan Saturday - June 30? Lakip ba an Sabado sanan Domingo sa kwenta? Sige, June 30 rakan sanan ilakip ta an weekends... which means... kuman 777 (7 July 2007), alas 7 sa buntag, amoy ika-7 diaz nan ato opisyales na proklamado. Unoy kahay 7 ka butang an pinaka-maradjaw na nahitabo, so far? Hmmm.. hataas pa an istorya kay... an ato obserbasyon tutok man gadjud sa first 100 days... 93 diaz pa an laktorunon.

Matuod... magkita an UP Maradjaw Karadjaw members, friends and family sa UP Sunken Garden sa July 15, magka-alas-10 nan buntag. Magtabi, magduwa, mangaon, mangodak, magbibo, magsajaw, maglingaw-lingaw, magpahungaw!!! Hala, kun jari kaw, dalikyat ngadto para magkahimamat kita. Dad-on namo amo pamilya, hilabi na an mga giso namo... So far, 3 Mainitnons are coming... Atty. Charlo dela Costa, Prof. Peter Sy, and si koaks. Makighampang kami nan amo mga majutok sanan mga pares...

Pero adecer nan binayloay... taghagit ko sila na mulakip sa marathon/fun run nan UP JPIA sa ila TaraRun 2k/6k/15k - July 15 gihapon 6-10 am. Registration is on-going on all Saturdays at the Sunken Garden. For more inquiries, call 0906-357-7561 or 0916-516-2882.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Umay huhungihong? Bibo an ako hinbatian nan mga kalandrakas sa ato municipio kuman.

But before I upload the "controversial" details about the recent events... let me share this.

I got mixed reactions to my previous post "Two Ceremonies?". Some said that posting it provokes further division among the Pidjangas, although some thanked me for providing unbiased entries. Well, majority of the comments support my efforts of providing crisp updates about our town.

I will remain non-partisan (will try my very best), and will be objective enough to post what I see and hear (and reported to me) about Mainit and the Pidjangas.

The separate oathtaking ceremonies last week, no matter how good the plans for future reconciliation are, just really showed that there exist a current division among the "elected" officials. And reactions such as those found in the Pidjanga Chat and the Pidjanga Shoutbox will be expected. Who wants division? NONE! But as one reader emailed me, it might NOT be the right time now... dili lamang dali-dalion kay muabot ra iton.

What I can say is that... Pidjangas from outside, perhaps through this blog, is watching our political processes back home. And whenever there is something worth noting, we will notice it and we will take part in it... the civil society out here will participate.

Now, balik kita sa mga kisaw...

*Recounting of some of the ballots started last Monday in Surigao City in response to the protest case filed. There were already "changes" in the number of votes counted which might effect the final figures announced by the Comelec when they proclaimed the winners of the election.
*Proclaimed officials has started their respective offices, including the 1st session of the new Sangguniang Bayan. As one reader predicted for the 1st 100 days, there were already immediate changes in the municipal management.

Will upload more. Break anay.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Ini na, tungod kay jaon nay ako laja sanan pokot, an musunod an pagdagsang nan kuha nan Pidjanga. I thought at first that by acquiring fishing gears, we will have our daily "panud-an". Nakay, mabidli na man kun sige, sanan, dako-dako man badja an ako napalit, pan-negosyo na gadjud ini.

In between "rounds" during the afternoon, my brother Concon, takes time to cut the freshly-caught Pidjangas from the lake, for drying. Five to six kilos of fresh Pidjangas make up around a kilo of dried ones (buyad or dinaing).

When I went home for Daddy, Concon showed me his products, and I was amazed by its cleanliness and "craftsmanship". Ay, ay... labor of love. Nah, dili na affordable!

I brought samples for taste test. The quality is really good that I braved giving some to colleagues here in the UN. Whew, the response is great. There will be a demand (ngay! basin kun aja na magkajagi-jagi!).

I am thinking of making a label for future packaging similar to what Monmon has prepared (here) which he said did not materialize because most of his "assistants" were very busy (mga WPD!!!, di ba Mon?).

Should I go into serious business of promoting and marketing Dried Pidjanga or not? I'll review first the four "Ps" of marketing.

What do you think? Aw matuod... let me know if you want samples. I am just in the QC area.

(Photo: I took the photo from the actual drying station of Concon in between Daddy's little nipa hut and our old ancestral home in Mainit)

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal

Almont Lake Resort (Lake Mainit)
San Roque, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte

P1,300 per room (airconditioned) good for 2 persons. With hot and cold shower. Restaurant with 100 pax capacity function room for seminars and trainings. Soon to be available: Floating restaurant; Jet Ski; Speed Boat (P1,400 per hour); Kayaking (P300 per hour), Island Hopping; Fishing; etc).

I got the contact info of the owners and managers but I left it with Councilor Nonong. I'll upload these once I get them.

This is for a WOW Lake Mainit in action.

Cheers!

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Crossposting: http://www.bisayabloggers.com/; http://zimmbodilion.multiply.com/journal


Nagpahulagway isab iban an kabataan nan mga Behagan. Kinugos nako si Noynoy (eldest son of Nonong), sanan inagbajan nako si Madi (Eldest ni Maya). Kodaker namo an konsehal.